WHITEHALL- The Whitehall football team showed displayed a lot of resilience with an impressive 42-0 home victory over Ravenna in a key West Michigan Conference clash on Friday night.

Following a 32-19 home loss to Oakridge in Week 2, Whitehall Coaich Tony SIgmon admitted his team practiced a bit harder this week.

“We challenged them all week long,” Sigmon said. “I’m super proud of the kids. They went ahead and responded, not only tonight but throughout the whole week. It’s really a credit to having an older team.”

Whitehall’s Alec Pruett fights his way through the Ravenna defensive line. Photo Jeremy Clark.

The difference in effort was noted by senior running back Alec Pruett, as well.

“We wanted to respond well,” he said. “We started by practicing harder this week and I think it really paid off.”

The first Whitehall possession set the tone for the evening, when the Vikings marched 85 yards over 16 plays and taking 8:29 off of the clock.

The drive was capped off by a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kyle Stratton to Riley Wentworth, making the score 7-0 with 1:06 left in the first quarter.

The ensuing Ravenna possession went deep into Viking territory before a fumble was recovered by Whitehall’s Jackson Cook.

On the next Bulldog possession, Ravenna once again drove beyond midfield, but the drive ended when Cook intercepted a pass.

Ravenma’s Thomas McCullough tries to fight off a tackle. Photo/Jeremy Clark 

“It was amazing,” said Cook about his excitement over his two big plays. “I had a blast out there. I love being out there with the boys. Shout out to the defensive line.”

Just two plays later, Pruett broke loose for a 20-yard touchdown run, extending the Whitehall lead to 14-0 with 4:26 left in the half.

On the final Whitehall drive of the half, Stratton located Brodie Fogus for a 22-yard touchdown pass to make the score 21-0 in favor of the Vikings.

In the second half, Whitehall marched the opening possession 82 yards, capped off by a 20-yard touchdown run by Nate Bolley to make the score 28-0 with 9:31 left in the third quarter.

Ravenna’s Drew Mabrito hauls in a pass. Photo/Jeremy Clark 

Later in the third quarter, Stratton found Fogus for a 45-yard touchdown throw to make the score 35-0 with 7:02 left.

The final score of the game came with 11:13 left in the fourth quarter when Pruett scored on a five-yard touchdown run.

“It was amazing,” said Pruett about the holes the offensive line created all night. “All those guys should be getting interviewed tonight. They’re the ones who get me all my yards.”

Whitehall finished with 299 rushing yards on 40 carries. Pruett led the way with 151 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.

Stratton finished with 92 yards and three touchdowns on 6-for-9 passing while Fogus totaled 80 yards and three touchdowns on four catches.

“They played exceptionally well,” Sigmon said about his offense. “It was a better week of effort and I think it showed on the line. They did a wonderful job.”

Kyle Beebe led Ravenna in passing and rushing, finishing with 65 yards through the air and 40 yards rushing.

Whitehall is now 2-1 overall and 1-1 in the conference. Ravenna has the same record.